Ex-congressman cited for improper IDOT hiring

David Phelps (Source: Wiki Commons)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The state's top investigator found that a former congressman did "little work" as assistant secretary at the Illinois Department of Transportation other than to take actions which entailed "misconduct and abuse."

Former U.S. Rep. David Phelps was ostensibly No. 2 at IDOT from 2003 to 2011. But Executive Inspector General Ricardo Meza's (MAY'-suhz) report released Monday said the southern Illinois Democrat could only say his work day included meeting with "lots of people."

The report indicated those meetings involved improper discussions with job candidates and interfering in hiring consultants.

Phelps retired in February 2011 - about the time Meza's initial report recommended discharge.

A call made to Phelps' home was not answered. A written response from his lawyer noted Phelps was not disciplined.